Hi friends! We’re Anna and Stephanie, friends (since the 1900’s) of Ashley Stephenson, founder of Story Photographers. For over 20 years, Ashley has created safe, joyful, vulnerable spaces for people to be fully themselves. She captures our families, milestones, grief, growth, celebrations, our stories . . . everything we hold dear.
Please consider holding our dear girl.
The Diagnosis
Two years ago, Ashley was diagnosed with:
A tumor behind her left ear.
Invasive skin cancer on her nose.
2025: Ashley underwent brain-adjacent surgery to remove the tumor. The result: full hearing loss in her left ear and ongoing muscle weakness on the left side of her face. She still smiled - even when her mouth wouldn’t quite cooperate!
2026: Ashley had MOHS surgery for the cancer on her nose. Three rounds. A full day. In addition to the cancer being deeper and more extensive than expected, requiring removal of over half her nose and part of her cheek, a tumor was identified during the surgery. Reconstruction will involve multiple surgeries, including a 7-hour forehead flap procedure this April, followed by months of healing - and more procedures after that.
The Challenge
As a self-employed small business owner, Ashley faces:
- Significant and ongoing medical expenses.
- Reduced ability to work (at times she can’t lift her camera gear or bend over).
- Months of healing that limit income.
- There is no paid leave. No corporate safety net. No dual income. Just grit, humor, resilience, and medical bills.
Ashley hesitated before allowing us to create this page. If you know her, you know she’s independent, generous, and the first to show up for others. But this is a long road, and the need for community calls.
How you can help:
Contribute any amount. Every bit helps cover medical costs and everyday living expenses during recovery and limited ability to work.
Share this page to widen the circle of support.
You have flexible, remote admin work she can do during healing windows, reach out.
Ashley has spent decades preserving our memories and telling our stories with tenderness and truth. Let’s help carry her through this chapter of her own story.
Thank you for loving on our dear friend!
*This total fundraising goal intentionally considers existing medical bills from 2025, upcoming medical expenses for 2026 surgeries, and loss of wages due to limited work during upcoming procedures.
*** please take a listen to Ashley's harrowing experience in her own words here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FwQjh4CVo/?mibextid=wwXIfr
